Group Size: Large group (10 or more)
Age Group: Grades 3+
Length of Activity: Under 10 minutes
Developmental Goal: To practice listening to directions, concentration and social comfort within group.
Equipment: None
Before You Start:
Have the group stand in a circle. Explain that an "energy" will be directed around the circle with three different words/actions: ‘Ah’, ‘Soh’, and ‘Koh’.
First pass begins with an ‘Ah’ accompanied by placing a hand above the head with the fingers pointing at the person on either side. Pass word and movement around circle in the same direction.
Pass ‘Soh’ around accompanied by putting a hand across the stomach the opposite direction from which ‘Ah’ was just passed around.
A ‘Koh’ is done by pointing with both palms together to anyone in the circle, who then passes an “Ah” to someone else around circle. Make sure that a there is eye contact with the person receiving the ‘Koh’.
The actions must always go in the same order: Ah, Soh, then Koh.
Once everyone is familiar with the words and movements begin the game.
Set Up:
Designate playing space large enough for the group to form a circle (cafeteria, gym, classroom).
How To Play:
The leader begins with a ‘Ah’ and passes it to the person either to their left or right.
It is up to the person who receives it which direction to pass it, with a ‘Soh’.
The next person must ‘Koh’ it, sending it to someone across the circle.
‘Ah’ and ‘Soh’ can be sent in either direction.
If a person hesitates, they must go around the outside of the circle and may try to trick the others still in the circle, by saying the words Ah, Soh, Koh in people’s ears (but not touch any player.)
Variations:
Instead of having players who hesitate go outside the circle, ask them to answer one question or do an action (such as 5 jumping jacks) before rejoining the game.
https://www.playworks.org/resource/the-game-of-the-week-ah-soh-koh/